Prince Harry's fleeting visit to the United Kingdom, following the announcement of his father, King Charles III's cancer diagnosis, has sparked a flurry of reactions among royal commentators.
The Prince's swift return to his homeland, just a day after the King's health revelation, has been interpreted in both positive and negative lights.
Richard Fitzwilliams, a royal commentator, told Fox News Digital, "Harry came, that is what is important. He understood with the rift in the royal family as deep as it is that it was essential he came over solo." He added, "In the weeks and months to come, the family feud should be totally subsumed in the need to come together."
However, Shannon Felton, another royal expert, viewed Harry's trip as a desperate attempt to salvage his image. "Its hard to view it as anything other than an image saver for Harry. I was really hoping this was the news he needed to wake him up and fix it," she said.
Prince Harry's stay in the UK was brief. He was seen at Heathrow Airport on Wednesday, a day after his arrival, preparing to board a commercial flight back to Los Angeles.
During his short visit, Harry had a brief meeting with the King at Clarence House, his London residence. Notably, he did not meet with his elder brother, Prince William. Hilary Fordwich, a royal expert, had previously informed Fox News Digital that despite Harry's desire for a reunion, no meeting would take place.
Fitzwilliams pointed out that the current circumstances were not conducive for a reunion. "The brothers were never as close as we imagined, but with Catherine recuperating, pressure of William to do more and his obvious concern about this father, now was no time for a meeting. The brothers havent spoken in months. He doesnt trust Harry, and the way they have monetized their grudges with the royal family has been ruthless," he said, referring to Harry's public airing of grievances.
The meeting between the King and his estranged son reportedly lasted only 45 minutes. According to Fordwich, the Duke of Sussex was not permitted to stay at any of the royal residences during his brief visit.
Following Harry's departure, King Charles and Queen Camilla were seen leaving Clarence House, acknowledging the crowd from their vehicle.
On Wednesday, Prince William publicly acknowledged the wave of support his family has received for his ailing father and his wife, Catherine, Princess of Wales, who recently underwent abdominal surgery. Speaking at London's Air Ambulance Charity event, alongside actor Tom Cruise, the Prince of Wales expressed his gratitude, stating that the support "means a great deal to us all."
Earlier that day, Prince William resumed his royal duties, attending an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle. The ceremony, which usually takes place at Buckingham Palace, was likely held at Windsor Castle to allow William to stay close to his recuperating wife at their home, Adelaide Cottage, as suggested by Fordwich. The ceremony recognized the outstanding achievements of various individuals, including former athletes, educators, and executives, who were conferred with different Orders of Chivalry and Orders of Merit.
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